I’m not exactly proud of what I say next, but I guess I’m just in the business of watching people squirm now.
“You know, I’m not really sure Priscilla. If you could give me the names of the men you haven’t dated in Manhattan, I’m sure I can work off of that shortlist. And while you’re at it, leave out the names of the married men. That’s more your speed than mine anyways.” I don’t even give her a chance to respond. I walk away to answer the front door, winking at my Tías standing by the kitchen island busying themselves as though they hadn’t been eavesdropping.
It feels good to finally give her a little bit of the shit that she’s been throwing my way ever since we were kids. I don’t know why I never felt as though I could push back, but damn am I glad my cojones from last night decided to make a quick appearance.
“Amelia, la puerta!” my dad shouts over the merengue music.
“Ya voy, I got it Papi!” I yell back, facing the living room while I open the front door.
“There she is,” a familiar velvety voice speaks from the doorway. I’m stunned, but slowly turn to face the man who has lived rent free in my mind for longer than I’d like to admit.
“Um. Evan. What are you doing here?” I say as I close the door slightly, keeping him out of view from the party goers.
“Kicking people out of their own beds…not letting them into family gatherings? Tsk tsk.” He gently pushes past me and into the entryway, then leans down and whispers into my ear, “Remind me to teach you some manners later tonight.”
Holy shit. I’m screwed.
17
Evan
The lookon Amelia’s face: priceless.
I would have lingered longer at the entryway, but I could see every woman over the age of sixty hightailing it towards me.
“Evan! What a surprise, we didn’t know you were back in town!” says Mrs. Mejia as she comes in for a hug and kiss.
“Actually, I’ve just moved back.” I glance over back to Amelia who looks like she’s in the middle of an existential crisis, still holding the front door open. “So you’re going to be seeing a lot more of me,” I say as Amelia locks eyes with me, closes the door, then quickly walks off to busy herself in the kitchen.
“Ay Dios mío Ramón did you hear that? Evan moved back to New York!” shouts Tía Isabella.
“¡Pero mijo! What an amazing birthday surprise.” Dr. Nuñez gestures for me to come into the living room after giving me a bear hug.
“I heard it was your birthday and couldn’t think of a better person to celebrate. I brought you a bottle of Brugal and some champagne. Where should I drop this stuff off for you?” I ask.
“I’ll take that off your hands… Mr. Cooper.” Nikki comes out of nowhere with a mischievous grin. “And I can take your coat for you as well.”
I hand her the bottles of alcohol and my black structured wool coat. “Hello Nikki. Nice to see you again.” I hear her whisper, “What the fuck, this is Prada?!”under her breath and I stifle a chuckle.
“Oh, so you’ve met Nikki before?” Dr. Nuñez asks. Before I can come up with a lie that will cover up how I met her last night while his daughter was throwing up drunk, he cuts me off. “Oh, of course all you kids know each other, what am I saying.” Nikki takes this opportunity to walk away with the gifted liquor and my coat. Hope she doesn’t steal either items.
“Evan, what would you like to drink? Is your palate a little too refined for rum now?” Dr. Nuñez teases.
“Never. Especially since Antonio and I spent our late high school years stealing from your supply.”
* * *
Amelia has been avoiding me like the plague.
Any time I catch her looking at me, she jets off to a different spot in the apartment. I can also see Nikki flanking her everywhere she goes while whisper shouting into her ear. Quite the scene.
Crazy how much can change in twenty-four hours. Like for instance, Amelia’s outfit. She’s dressed in an ivory long sleeve sweater dress with black tights. Funny enough, we’re matching since I’m wearing an ivory cable knit sweater and dark jeans with black boots. If she would stand within an arm’s length of me, we might even look like a real couple.
And although she may be trying to exude a vision of innocence, it’s obvious how that dress hugs her in all the right places. Her makeup is simple, but emphasizes her beautiful large brown eyes, caramel skin, and her plump full lips. She keeps toying with the hair hanging out of her high ponytail, and my fingers itch to touch it. I force myself to not steal too many glances at her body, since it wouldn’t be the right time or place to be turned on by Amelia. Which reminds me of something I came here to do. I stand up to make my way toward Amelia, only to be stopped by my new shadow. Priscilla.
“Well hey there big boy. I thought I told you to call me whenever you were in the city.” She playfully pushes my bicep, only to leave her hand there and squeeze it. “Jeez Evan, do you live in a gym now? Good looking, successful, and ripped. Are you trying to be my dream man?” Priscilla sighs.
Priscilla has made her feelings for me known ever since we played spin the bottle during my senior year of high school. I gave her a small peck on the lips, and she carried on acting as if we were lovers in another life. I’m careful to avoid bruising Priscilla’s ego, because we all know she can have a mean streak.
